WASHINGTON - NCBA welecomes new legislation introduced by by Sen. Mike Crapo (R-ID) on Aug. 4. The Safe& Efficient Transportation Act” (S 3705) is companion legislation to H.R. 1799 in the House of Representatives. According to Colin Woodall, NCBA vice president of government affairs, the association has been working with the Americans for Safe & Efficient Transportation (ASET) coalition to push this legislation to the Senate.

“The current economic situation and the rising costs associated with transporting cattle and other commodities has certainly had an impact on all segments of this industry,” said Woodall. “This legislation allows individual states to increase the weight limit for truck and trailers that is conducive to roads in their respective states. It would enhance efficiency by reducing transportation costs and would also enhance road safety by allowing these trucks to use more updated roads.”

The legislation would allow states to increase the weight limit to 97,000 pounds but only if those vehicles add a sixth has been unequivocally shown to allow a 97,000-pound truck to stop, turn, and operate on highways at the safety ratings as the typical five-axle 80,000-pound truck does today.